Awukugua chiefs perform rituals to seek justice against people destroying signboards of Osabarima Opese Konadu II

Correspondence from Michael Oberteye, Eastern Region

Chiefs and elders of Awukugua in the Akuapem Traditional Area of the Eastern Region have issued a stern ultimatum to those responsible for vandalising signboards of the Awukuguahene, Osabarima Opese Konadu II, to come forward or face dire consequences.

The warning follows rituals performed at the Bribri River, seeking justice from the gods against the perpetrators who destroyed the signboards, which were part of publicity efforts for the recently held Ohum festival.

Explaining the situation, Abontendonhene of Awukugua, Baaffour Kumankum Sereko Ayerakwa II, said the signboards, mounted at two locations—Quarters and Dawu—were vandalised by unidentified persons.

"Prior to the festival, we mounted Nana's signboard at the Quarters and Dawu. In the morning, however, we discovered that faceless persons had broken it down," the Abontendonhene recounted during an interview.

Calling the act unlawful, he questioned the authority and motivation behind the incident, emphasising that the signboards were placed within Awukugua lands and thus no one had the right to destroy them.

The incident has been reported to the police, who are conducting investigations to apprehend the suspects.

When asked about the potential motives of the vandals, the Abontendonhene said, “We don’t have any suspects in mind; nobody has the right to carry out such actions anyway.”

The destruction reportedly cast doubts over the festival’s preparations and created uncertainties among residents about whether the festivities would proceed as planned.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Awukugua. Baaffour Kumankum Sereko Ayerakwa recalled a similar incident in the past, which led to the deaths of two individuals after traditional measures were taken.

He, therefore, warned the perpetrators to come forward to avoid severe consequences from both the traditional authorities and the gods.